Beginner Needing Help

Hi, I've just started minimalist running (and running in general actually). I've never been a runner, but I've always walked barefoot. The only shoes I ever wear are dress shoes for work with a minimal heel and converse, minimal in their own right. That being said, I jumped straight into a pair of minimalist shoes (Merrell Trail Glove). I run a 2.6 mile stretch every other day around my neighborhood on sidewalk.

What I really need are some tips and guidance. I don't want to over-do with the minimalist and cause injury, but I'd rather not get a pair of supportive shoes if I don't need to. I love the minimalist feel and would really like to keep going with them. So far, no intense pain except the first day (I way overdid my run). I'm on a couch to 5k program with Zombies!Run now, three runs deep. It's a walk, run, walk program with an easy grade from mostly walking to a 5k run, so nothing too intense (8 wk program).

I've had calf soreness (of course) and a little bit of top-of-foot soreness (I think that's normal). What's weird is I've also had this soreness in a small section of my left side, like a bruised spot. What is that about? My left knee gave me trouble yesterday too, at the joint. Are these normal beginning runner sores?

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. I've done my reading, and minimalist makes sense to me. It seems far more natural and more in line with what my body is used to on the daily.

Love the Trail Gloves! That being said, 2.6 miles every other day seems like too much too soon. How many run days have you done so far? If it's only just 2 or 3 then you may want to step back and take it easy. Start out with a mile then add 20% to that distance each new week. You'll be up to your 2.6 mile runs in a little over a month. The trick to minimalist running is this, is it hurts then stop, go home and rest for at least two days. The minimalist transition is excruciatingly slow but well worth it.

Love the Trail Gloves! That being said, 2.6 miles every other day seems like too much too soon. How many run days have you done so far? If it's only just 2 or 3 then you may want to step back and take it easy. Start out with a mile then add 20% to that distance each new week. You'll be up to your 2.6 mile runs in a little over a month. The trick to minimalist running is this, is it hurts then stop, go home and rest for at least two days. The minimalist transition is excruciatingly slow but well worth it.

Thanks for the tips. I haven't had any pain so far, but I've only done three runs. The first was free-form, and I did have some pain after that. The last two were part of the c25k program. It's a 33 minute workout every other day, three times a week. The layout is 10min walk 10 reps of [15sec run 1 min walk] 10 min free run. It changes a little each week, adding a little running each time. With the added walking and my non-normal daily shoes, do you think that would be too-much-too-soon as well?

Actually, that sounds pretty good. You said you were having some foot pain as well. The bones in your feet have to spread a bit after a lifetime being bound up so there is some discomfort. The pain in your feet is usually short lived; but if it keeps up, especially in the same area then take a few days off. Your calves will be sore, keep in mind that calf pain can mask achilles strain if over worked. Stress fractures and stressed achilles seem to be common when starting out minimalist. IMO

Thanks. I'll keep a close check on how long the pain lasts and if it seems too localized for general soreness. Any idea on the weird sore spot on my side? It's right on my ribs, toward the bottom, about the size of a quarter.